There has been heavy disruption on the M5 today (March 9) after three separate crashes.

Two lanes were closed on the southbound carriageway after a collision between junction 18 and junction 19.

The hard shoulder and lane one were closed northbound between junction 12 and 11A.

A third crash also occurred near junction 23 northbound.

Follow our live updates below.

Somerset Live has launched a WhatsApp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news from across the county. If you'd like to receive breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07834 893492. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Somerset Live’. We will send you a maximum of four messages a day. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group or be used for any other purpose.

19:35

Third crash reported

A third crash has also been reported northbound.

Travel Somerset reports that there is slow traffic after a crash at junction 23.

A witness reports seeing two ambulances pass on the hard shoulder.

17:46

Further disruption between junction 12 and 11A

The hard shoulder and lane one are closed between junction 12 and 11A northbound due to a crash.

A Travel Somerset spokesman said: “The event is expected to clear between 6:15pm and 6:30pm.”

16:50

All lanes now clear

All lanes are now open on the #M5 southbound between J18 - J19 following an earlier collision. Delays of an hour remain, but are starting to clear. Thank you for your patience.

Update on delays from Travel Somerset

A Travel Somerset spokesman said: “The event is expected to clear between 4:45pm and 5pm.

“Normal traffic conditions are expected between 6pm and 6.15pm.”

15:51

Multi-vehicle collision

Highways England is reporting that a “multi-vehicle collision” has led to the lane closures.

15:46

Very long delays

Travel Somerset is reporting that there is now a delay of one and a half hours against expected traffic.

15:44

Highways England tweet

#M5 Our Traffic Officers are on scene dealing with an incident between J18 and J19 southbound. We currently have 2 lanes closed and emergency services are on scene. There are minor delays building on approach. pic.twitter.com/wtCJxnTYBu